WHINCHAT. 33 
WHINCHAT. 
PRATINCOLA RUBETRA, Linn. 
Pl. VIIL., figs. 16, 17. 
Geogr. distr.—Occurs in Persia, which it leaves in the autumn for 
North Africa and South Europe; it is found throughout Europe, its 
range extending further northwards than that of the Stonechat. 
Food.—Insects, larve, small worms, and berries. 
Nest.—Rather large, formed of grass bents, fibrous roots, and 
sometimes a little moss; lined with fine bents and hairs. 
Position of nest.—On the ground, carefully concealed amongst 
grass or bushes on pastures, especially on undulating ground; in a 
furze bush on heaths, commons, and other open localities. 
Number of eggs.—4-6. 
Time of nidification.—V-VIII ; May to June. 
In habits the Whinchat is much like the Stonechat; 
sitting, like it, upon the top spray of a furze bush watching 
for flies: it arrives in our country about April; it is abun- 
dant in Somersetshire, Wiltshire, and Gloucestershire, and, 
according to Hewitson, in Westmoreland; it, however, 
breeds with more or less regularity in all the counties of 
Great Britain; it rears two broods in the season: it is 
not, however, a common bird, and, unless the collector 
frequently shifts his hunting ground, he may be years 
before he discovers a nest. 
